Opposition press freedom protest in Slovakia

Opposition parties in Slovakia, Progressive Slovakia (PS), and the Freedom and Solidarity Party (SAS) organized a protest demonstration with the participation of thousands of people, alleging violations of press freedom.
Opposition parties in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, organized a protest demonstration alleging violations of press freedom. The protest, held by Progressive Slovakia (PS) and the Freedom and Solidarity Party (SAS) against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government, took place at Freedom Square, with thousands in attendance, alleging that the government sought to politicize the Slovak Radio and Television (RTVS). Addressing the crowd at the protest, PS President Michal Simecka stated that state television should not be controlled by “conspirators.” Simecka said, “Fico is trying again today. Like all autocrats, he wants his own propaganda mouthpiece. He wants to control everything, the media, intelligence, the judiciary, and of course, the Presidential Palace. But Slovakia is not just Fico, and it won’t be.” When it comes to Slovakia, Simecka said that all of Europe hopes for the preservation of democracy. He added, “Is Moscow or Prague closer to us? Slovaks want to live in the West.”

“The government wants to turn the media into its spokesperson”
At the protest against changes at RTVS, PS Member of Parliament Zora Jaurova said, “Fico is following Orban’s steps and pushing us towards the East. After controlling the government organs, he now wants to control the media.” Jaurova claimed that the government wants to turn the media into its “spokesperson” and argued that the Fico administration resorts to totalitarian practices.
Actor and former politician Magda Vasaryova, who supported the protest, said they would not allow Fico’s government to turn Slovakia into their personal apparatus. Vasaryova argued that Fico looks up to Orban and Kaczynski, saying, “They advise him to destroy the media and civil society. Fico follows the prescription written by Viktor Orban.”

“It is envisaged that the parliament will approve the management team of the new institution”
A plan prepared by Slovak Minister of Culture Martina Simkovicova envisages replacing the State Radio and Television RTVS with another institution. According to the plan, the government and parliament are expected to approve the management team of the new institution, named Slovak Television and Radio (STR), which the government aims to establish instead of RTVS.
The controversial bill, expected to be approved by Prime Minister Fico in the summer, has been criticized by President Zuzana Caputova, international media organizations, and the European Union.